Director General Education & Justice

Job Reference: GSe68950

Remuneration: circa £122,605 

Location: Edinburgh

This is an outstanding opportunity: the chance to join the top leadership team of the Scottish Government and lead core public policy and services at a time of unprecedented challenge, as we recover and renew in response to the COVID pandemic.

Job Description 

You will report directly to the Permanent Secretary and be a member of the Executive Team. You will provide direct support to the Cabinet Secretaries for Justice and for Education and Skills and you will also have a responsibility to the First Minister and Cabinet.

Your primary responsibility will be to provide assurance to Ministers around the delivery of education and justice system services, including our COVID response and recovery planning.

As a member of the Executive Team – the Scottish Government’s top leadership team – you will be expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the organisation. You will work flexibly and holistically with other members of the Team to ensure that human and financial resources are deployed in a way which best meets Ministers’ priorities, and that innovative ways of delivering are identified and implemented. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, inclusive leader. You will lead from the front as a champion for diversity and inclusion, advocating and challenging the organisation to fulfil its ambitions. You will embody the Civil Service values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. You will be comfortable working without a settled hierarchy but with a distinct and shared sense of delivery with your colleagues, using your skills and experience to drive improved performance and the development of teams and individuals. 

GatenbySanderson is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Scottish Government on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe68950/director-general-education-and-justice. 

Alternatively for a confidential discussion, please telephone Paul Aristides on 07964 827000, Michael Dobson on 07891 142 325 or Olivia Robinson on 0113 205 6298 (during office hours).

Applications should be received by midnight on Sunday 6 December. 

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and aim to employ a diverse workforce, which reflects the people of Scotland.